Pasta Sauce Raphael
A vibrant Italian pasta sauce featuring marinated artichoke hearts, fresh herbs, garlic, and tomatoes, perfect for a flavorful vegetarian meal that pairs well with any pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 jars 6 oz. each marinated artichoke hearts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- pinch of dried red pepper flakes
- 1 28 oz. can plum tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped Italian parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the artichoke hearts, reserving the marinade.
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan.
- Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, black pepper, salt, dried red pepper flakes, and the reserved artichoke marinade.
- Sauté over medium to low heat until the onion and garlic are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Add the plum tomatoes with juice and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the artichoke hearts, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped Italian parsley.
- Stir gently and simmer for another 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the onions and garlic. If you don't have marinated artichokes, canned or frozen artichoke hearts can work as a substitute; just add some extra seasoning. Also, feel free to adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. This sauce pairs wonderfully with Supreme Chicken And Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant pasta sauce over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or penne. It pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a vegetarian twist, enjoy it alongside Italian Strufoli for a delightful combination that celebrates Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This will keep it moist and prevent burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Sauce Raphael contains roughly 484 calories, with 13g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (186% of the Daily Value), and calcium (145% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1315mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes for this recipe. You'll need about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and add them to the sauce. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to break down compared to canned tomatoes.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to enhance its flavor, consider adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You could also incorporate some mushrooms for an earthy taste. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic for a delicious twist.
Can I freeze the pasta sauce?
Absolutely! This pasta sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).